Reading Targets

What you can do to meet your Reading Targets

Vocabulary and Word Recognition

Word Meanings

Try to work out what a word might mean in the sentence that you have read. If you are having difficulty, ask the teacher or use a dictionary.

Dictionary Skills

Practise using a dictionary and putting words into alphabetical order.

Reading Strategies

Slow down when you read. Break down words and sentences into ‘chunks’ to make reading easier.

Reading Comprehension

Practise your reading at home and reread sentences to work out that they mean.

Reading Grammar and Punctuation

Make sure that you read carefully, pausing where there is punctuation. If you do not understand what you have read, reread the text.

Instructional Texts

Make sure that you read instructions carefully and follow them in the correct order.

Reading Comprehension

Read questions very carefully. Work out what they are asking you to do. When you read a text, check your understanding by reading more than once.

Locating information

You must read questions and texts carefully. It is often necessary to read over these more than once, even if there is a lot of writing. You must get into the habit of rereading to ensure that you understand.

Information from a Diagram

Images such as pictures, diagrams and charts provide us with lots of information. Make sure that you study these carefully. Read all words and numbers, and work out what they are telling you.

Using Context

When you are reading, try to make connections with what you already know. Look for clues such as pictures, graphs and subtitles to help you.

Understanding Purpose and Audience of Text

Every piece of writing is written for a reason (purpose). Every piece of writing is aimed at a particular audience. Work out the purpose and audience of each text you read and write. This will help you understand the writing.

Comprehension including Inference and Deduction

You need to read very carefully. Rereading is essential in order to ensure that you understand and can work out the answer to any questions asked. Not all information is given directly. Sometimes you will have to work out what is being said by reading between the lines.

Fact or Opinion

You need to work out what is fact (true) and what is opinion (somebody’s point of view).

Identifying Fact, Opinion, Bias and Inference

You need to work out what is fact (true); what is opinion (somebody’s point of view); what is bias (one-sidedness); and what is inference (reading between the lines).